THE launch of Newport's newest concert venue will be delayed until next year because of problems fitting a new floor.

The old Odeon cinema in Clarence Place was bought in March this year by the P2 Group, who have converted it into a new venue for live performance - the Newport City Live Arena.

The group has formed a marketing partnership with Newport Rugby Club and hopes to attract live bands, folk, comedy, jazz and dance acts.

The venue, which will cost £1m, will seat 1,400 people over two floors, or 2,200 for major concerts, and also be available for conferences.

But the NCLA, which was due to open next week, will now be closed until January while renovation work is completed.

Tickets for Christmas and New Year parties were already on sale. And among the events which were due to be held at the NCLA was Red Dragon FM's Help A South Wales Child Christmas concert, which takes place on December 21.

Red Dragon party organisers are now arranging a new venue for the party.

NCLA manager Richard Perry told the Argus: "We were placing a new state-of-the-art concrete floor over the wooden boards which were already there, but there isn't enough sub-structure. If we laid the floor it could mean that it would crack in certain areas.

"It's meant we've had to postpone our opening until January. All the pre-Christmas events have been rescheduled and refunds will be given.

"The Red Dragon FM party has had to be moved to a different venue.

"We could have gone ahead with a temporary floor, but we decided against that as there could be possible health and safety repercussions.

"It's better to do something properly.

"This is a major disappointment for us, but it's something we have to take on the chin."

Red Dragon's marketing controller Eirwen Parker said: "Obviously we're disappointed the party won't go ahead as planned.

"But people who were going to come along need not be disappointed as we'll make sure we're part of an even bigger and better launch for the Newport City Live Arena in the New Year."